BLACK MOUNTAIN, N.C.— Montreat College's men's soccer program welcomed the Johnson University Royals to town on Saturday for its final Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) matchup of the campaign. The Cavaliers celebrated their senior day and sent four seniors home with a victory to conclude their collegiate soccer careers. The hosts won the contest 4-1 over JU. Montreat ends the year with a record of 5-10-3 overall and 4-6-2 in conference play. Johnson finishes at 3-8-4 overall and 2-6-4 in AAC competitions.
 
The first half started with the hosts asserting pressure early, as Emilio Ruiz's shot in the third minute required a save from the visitors' goalkeeper. The Cavaliers maintained offensive momentum, leading to a goal by Jared McCall 20 minutes into the match, marking McCall's first tally of the season. Kevin Palacios assisted on the opening scoring effort. Steven Colantoni, Montreat's senior goalkeeper, contributed with key saves in his first career game to keep the Royals scoreless. As the half progressed, the Cavs continued to create chances, with Ethan Grasso and Felipe Pereira testing the Johnson defense. Colantoni finished the half with three saves, leaving Montreat on top 1-0 at the intermission.
 
At halftime, four seniors were recognized and praised for their tenure at Montreat College. The seniors were Colantoni, Joshua Atkins, Drake Fowler and Cristian Ruiz. All four members of the team started the contest and registered minutes throughout the game.
 
"Since all those guys came in, they have done nothing but positive things," said head coach Michael Bruce. "Those guys contributed in a big way to creating the culture here, which in some ways is more important than results on the field."
 
The Cavaliers emerged from the break with renewed confidence and a sense of unity following the senior day ceremony. Emilio Ruiz scored with 20 minutes to play in the match, his fourth of the year. Jose Solano assisted the goal, extending the lead to 2-0. Montreat continued to capitalize on its momentum when Erick Vega added another goal in the 76^th minute, marking his first of the season. JU managed to respond with a goal in the 81^st minute, bringing the score to 3-1. However, the home side quickly regained control, with Solano finding the net less than three minutes later. His first goal of the season was assisted by Pereira. Montreat closed the half still ahead 4-1, securing the win.
 
Individually, three of the four goal scorers for Montreat captured their first tallies of the season. McCall, Vega and Solano all notched the scoring efforts. Solano, Pereira and Palacios tallied an assist in the match. Emilio Ruiz, Palacios and Pereira each took four shots on the day, leading the offense for the Cavs. Emmanuel Ntimeh, Alejandro Hernandez, Fowler and Grasso were all credited with at least one shot attempt. In net, Colantoni made four saves during the 90 minutes.
 
As a team, Montreat totaled 23 shots with 13 on frame. Johnson took 13 shots with five on net. The Cavaliers were awarded 10 corner kicks while JU received four. The whistle was blown against the Cavs 18 times and only 10 times for the visitors. The Royals were caught in an offside position twice, whereas the Cavaliers were caught just once.
 
"I am proud of the way we finished the season," added Bruce. "It was positive to build a platform for next year. I think the growth in all the guys as people was very exciting to see this year as well."
 
The Cavs did not qualify for the AAC Tournament, so Montreat concludes its 2025 season with the win. They finished the year with an overall record of 5-10-3 and an AAC record of 4-6-2. The Cavaliers now turn their attention toward preparations for the 2026 campaign.